My introduction to Landstrom furniture happened way back in 2016. I was a newbie furniture refinisher, scouring auction listings daily.
I came across the ugly yellow dresser in an auction listing with the coolest, most oversized hardware I had seen.
It was love at first sight! Once I saw the hardware, I could see nothing else.
I outbid everybody at that auction and probably overpaid, but that’s okay. It was a gem, and my instincts were on point. I scored a 12-drawer version of the highly coveted and hard-to-find Landstrom dresser.
Throughout the years, I have painted numerous pieces from the Landstrom furniture line. However, let me first share with you the history of Landstrom Furniture Co.
Brief History of Landstrom Furniture Company
Landstrom Furniture Company was a furniture manufacturer based in Rockford, Illinois, operating from 1898 to 1951.
During its 53 years of existence, Landstrom crafted furniture in various styles. However, it gained recognition for a specific style characterized by its simple, clean, boxy lines, complemented by remarkable oversized copper hardware.
The copper-tone, oversized bail pull with clover-shaped backplates sets it apart. The hardware is iconic and, quite possibly, impossible to replicate.
How To Identify Landstrom
Landstrom made different lines of furniture over the years. Not all of them have the iconic copper hardware. The best way to identify it is to look for a shield-shaped metal plate on the top left drawer.
Landstrom Long Dressers
I have painted the 8-drawer and 12-drawer versions of the dresser. The 8-drawer is a twin or queen-sized dresser, and the 12-drawer is a king-size or triple dresser, for three columns of drawers with four rows.
Here is the 8-drawer little sibling of the 12-drawer. This is a great size for a nursery dresser or an entryway dresser. I love these more for their compact size.
Landstrom Tall Dressers
The Landstrom tall dresser also came in two sizes. One was the smaller, simpler size that was meant to go with the 8-drawer long dresser.
This stacked version was meant to be a companion for the 12-drawer dresser
Landstrom Buffet
Landstrom Buffet is a two-door, four-drawer buffet with beaded detail around the doors and on the base.
I have come across a version in brass hardware as well. It seems like they manufactured smaller quantities of the brass version because they are harder to come by.
Landstrom Nightstands
I have come across two versions of the smaller nightstands—one with all drawers and one with a single drawer and open shelf.
Landstrom Chests
Landstrom bachelor’s chests are among the hardest to come by, especially as a pair. Above is my friend Sharon’s pair of chests lacquered in black. Notice the hard-to-find gold hardware.
Landstrom Quality
The interiors of Landstrom dressers feature solid cherry wood, reminiscent of the exquisite craftsmanship found in Dorothy Draper’s chests.
If you take a closer look, you will notice that the gaps are really tight. Those signs suggest very well-made craftsman furniture.
Iconic Landstrom Hardware
Landstrom pieces really well made. They also have the most spectacular hardware that you will ever see. It is one of the top three vintage hardware designs, in my opinion.
It is copper-plated, which makes it unique. No other vintage hardware that I have seen is in this color metal.
Landstrom Desks
I have encountered a junior-size desk and a larger writing desk by Landstrom. Again, they are fairly hard to find.
Final Thoughts
Landstrom furniture stands as a timeless collection of vintage pieces meticulously crafted from sturdy hardwoods.
The copper hardware is just the perfect embellishment which makes it very unique. It is timeless and makes a bold statement, and I would definitely recommend you buy it if you come across it.